You’d think five years would be enough time to cope and move on.
It’s not.
If anything, it’s given me more unrealistic ways to deal with my loss.
More pain.
And even worse, a woman I don’t love.
A woman that isn’t her.
I hate her.
She hates me, too.
My life’s a mess.
My heart’s nonexistent.
My soul was lost long ago.
Worst of all, I no longer have any fucks to give.
They say you find your true … love after you lose your first one.
I call bullshit.
more
Breathe is an outstanding book with several unspoken truths to be revealed. C.L Matthews out done herself on this one. Definitely, leaving us with a book hangover. Angsty in the best places. Breathe is not for sensitive readers
Breathe by C.L. Matthews is book Two in the Hollow Ridge Series. This is the story of Josephine ‘Joey’ and Tobias ‘Toby’. I do think you should read the previous book ‘Inhale, Exhale’ first before starting this one to truly understand Toby’s back story. This was another emotional read from the author who really took me through the emotions in the previous book. This book we get to dive further into Toby who was in love with his brother’s wife. Toby has been spiraling out of control with his feelings that had lead him to drinking along with other things to put band aids on his feelings. Joey who is a young women by years has been through things that has made her older in emotions. These to clash together into a love hate of feelings because neither knows what to do with how they feel around the other person. Sometimes what happens between them is healthy and is hurtful but neither can seem to stop themselves. Overall enjoyed their story.
I had the pleasure to BETA read Breathe and I can tell you this book tore me to pieces. I have to say that Breathe climbed and surpassed the ladder to get to the top of my best read books in 2020!
I am absolutely in love with the first two books in this series so I could just imagine what to expect from the rest!
I never thought that Toby could measure up to his brother Jase but boy was I wrong. Obviously these brothers had something in common and that was to hurt their spouses. Both women may have suffered and coped differently with their conditions but man they broke my heart to the fullest.
Joey and Toby really tore my heart in pieces. I mean I was literally unable to breathe at times because of what they were both going through. They each had a vise and they coped with it differently and it didn’t help that they accused each other of things that either weren’t true or wished it weren’t true.
At times I wanted to just throat punch Toby for being such a jerk but I still loved him. The story of Joey and Toby was one that was very painful and sad. So many times they hurt each other and loved each other aside from their hatred for each other. They had a love/hate relationship.
Joey and Toby went through a great deal of tribulations that tore my heart. For as much as this book broke me I was relieved and happy in the end.
CL Matthews knows how to write one good emotional, angsty and HOT book!
This 2nd book is definitely the definition of ‘raw’. With the 1st installment being romantic and heartfelt, this one is bitter and sharp. The sexy scenes are amazing thankfully, which helped keep my heart from hurting so much. Definitely going to need to find a fast burn romance after this!
You have to read this book to understand how truly heart wrenching it is. There are no filters on this one, it’ll drag your emotions through the wringer, but you’ll love every second.
This is the second book in the Hollow Ridge series but can be read as a standalone. I recommend reading Inhale, Exhale first though. There are previous events mentioned that happened in the previous book evolving Lo, Jace, and Toby’s relationship.
Toby is running from his past and meets the last girl that he ever saw himself falling for.
Warning this book has difficult topics, and graphic scenes.
I cannot wait for Ace’s book!!!
Breathe (Hollow Ridge #2)
By C.L. Matthews
Where to start….. I’m an emotional wreck I thought the first book Inhale,Exhale ruined me but I was so wrong. Breathe was 1,000 times more emotional. My entire body heart and soul bleed reading Tobias (Toby) and Josephine (Joey’s) story. I know it is a standalone but you really need to read Inhale,Exhale to understand Toby because he played a major role in that story and why he is the way he is to some extent. Toby is so broken it breaks my heart he fears abandonment, not being good enough, not being worthy of love. He has turned to alcohol, anger and meaningless sex to ease his pain. Joey although broken she still has the capacity to love with all her heart even when being hurt time and time again. She is ferocious, sassy, brave,resilient and loyal even when Toby is anything but loyal. I’ve never wanted to hug someone as much as I did her. There story isn’t an easy one to read it has infidelity, addiction, trama ,violence and loss. He can’t see what is right in front of him because of what is in his past. So he purposely destroys, hurts her until she is only a fraction of herself yet she still loves him. Their story is told in past and present in multiple POV’s which will help the reader understand why and how they become who they are in the future. This book along with Inhale, Exhale will stay with me forever. I am so glad I discovered this outstanding author who knows how to write storylines that will stay with you forever.
I would give more than 5 if I could.
.
’ , ’ . .
, ’ ’ * ’ .
’ . ’ , ’ ..
, ’
Safaereads
Oh my, the author made such a twisted web with this book. Toby was a jerk but after the last book….. I don’t blame him for his attitude. Joey was young but very strong and took care of her self the best she knew how. There was a lot of internal battles going between each of the characters and my heart broke for them.
I would recommend reading Inhale, Exhale. It gives you a different looks at Toby and why he is the way he is. it’s an amazing story that will suck you in. I won’t go into details about that book or too many about this one but they are both really good. So glad that Toby got his book and loved seeing him work past the pain, overcome his issues and the issues he caused with Joey. I really loved seeing Joey get a HEA. She really deserved it. That poor girl was wise beyond her years and went through so much through her life.
Now my main issues is the fact that the book jumped around…. a lot. We get past and present, flashbacks in both the past and present. This made it he’d to really keep up with the story. They were all labeled well, but I really just wanted to be in the now seeing these characters going through things. So it pulled some of my enjoyment away at times. Other then that, the story kept me engrossed because I really wanted to see these two work out all their issues and I’m glad that I pushed through. 3.5/4 stars #2OCCJD
This angst ridden story was a particularly tough read for me. Gritty, raw and emotional, two broken and complicated souls that are unfortunately drawn together into a toxic relationship. C.L. Matthews’ depiction of Toby and Joey is explosive. Despite all their tumultuous times and experiences the characters evolve and grow and ultimately come to terms together in their own way for their relationship. I guess I’ve been through so much in my lifetime that situations like this are feasible and I cannot negatively judge these characters for their actions and decisions. C.L. Matthews reaches deep within to realistically portray flawed but redeemable characters.
I was really excited and scared to read this book after reading Inhale, Exhale but after getting some alcohol and tissues I decided to dive in. Let me say it was not at all what I expected and both Joey bad Toby surprised me in every way. The pain they both suffered literally jumped off the pages and hit me right in the chest. Reading about their experiences brought me pain as if I was going through the same thing. The more I read the more my heart not only broke but part of me broke as well. I had too many moments to count where I couldn’t see how things could ever end up ok and well if you read it yourself you will see that nothing gets “fixed” but rather you see them learn to live. This is one of those books that will change you if you read it. Please take the author’s warning seriously because this is all true.
Has dark themes, topics, and so much pain. CHECK.
It’s not light.
CHECK
It’s not easy.
CHECK
It IS dark.
CHECK
It IS damaging.
CHECK
It’s not bearable for all.
DOUBLE CHECK
It IS toxic.
TRIPLE CHECK
My soul has been craving this book since the moment I finished Inhale, Exhale last year! If you’ve read Inhale, Exhale then you understand the pain and heartbreak that surrounded Toby’s life; well Breathe gives you even more insight to who he is and why he is that way. I feel like there are two type of people when it came to Toby in IE, the ones who LOVED him and the ones who HATED him! I LOVED TOBY from day ONE of meeting him in IE, but Inhale, Exhale was NOT Toby’s book. THIS IS TOBY’S BOOK and OMG…it is everything you need whether you loved or hated Toby!
CL Matthews’ Hollow Ridge series is one of the most emotionally raw series that I have ever read. Breathe was filled with the type of torment and grief that most souls could never survive experiencing. When you love someone, truly love someone you take the bad along with the good. Unfortunately with great loves can come great heartbreak, with the laughs we have the tears and with life comes death. Matthews’ doesn’t hesitate to write heartbreaking and authentic love stories and in the process we are granted the ability to experience all angles of love including the pain that life can unfortunately bring. I am in love with the way that Matthews’ writes, almost as if she ingrains each word with emotions that grasp your soul as you read along.
Toby…TOBY….MY TOBES!!! I couldn’t wait for his book! I’ve loved him since the first book and although it hurt to see him get his heart broken then; I didn’t want him to ever settle for being anyone’s second choice. But then Matthews created the most perfect heroine for him! Joey’s sassy & strong attitude is the first thing that grasps my attention; these two things are essential when dealing with Toby. I could never imagine him with the kind of girl that he could push around and even though he has his alpha ways…he definitely met his match in her. Joey challenges him in ways that no one ever has and he loved her in a way that no one else ever has. It made my heart soar to see my boy so in love that he smiled so brightly.
Unfortunately, life always have a way of sucking the life out of even the greatest of people. It’s the things done and said afterwards that can either save or break a person. My heart broke to see the life drain from Joey, but it hurt me even worse to see her lose the one person that gave her life purpose and meaning after not having someone like that for such a long time. Seeing how truly damaged and broken Toby was made me cry for him, it made me cry for Joey. Every now and then…with heartbreak comes healing and a restoration to the human soul that you once thought was damaged beyond repair.
All the appearances from everyone in Hollow Ridge and the different POV’s in this series helps give the reader an idea of how it would feel to live among these characters…in their world. I LOVE this part about her writing. I absolutely CAN’T WAIT for the next Hollow Ridge book.
, .
/ : Breathe (Hollow Ridge Book 2) by C.L. Matthews is the second installment of the series. Although can be read as a STANDALONE, you will get the best emotional experience and you’ll understand the dynamic between the characters better if you read book one, Inhale, Exhale. (Hollow Ridge Book 1) first since it is interconnected. Although isn’t a DARK read, it’s not an easy read either. But if you are looking for an emotional hijacking read, filled with heartache, pain, and love that will take your breath away then trust me you NEED to get your hands on a copy of ! This review is going to be a lot shorter than my reviews usually are because this is one of those books and storylines that you need to read for yourself. NO review will EVER truly do it justice.
’ ℎ. ℎ .
.. is an incredible writer! Just about every book I’ve read of her’s has always evoked some kind of emotion from me, and with as much as I read, that has become few and far in between. I love imperfect characters and that’s exactly what writes. Imperfectly perfect characters and their stories. She will continue being a one-click author of mine for sure and I can’t wait to get my hands on the next book from the series.
Toby and Joey’s story is filled with heartache and turmoil, but it’s also filled with love, understanding, and forgiveness. is a brutal story about relationships, heartbreak, and real life. Their story shows both sides of what a real relationship can be like. Love isn’t easy and it’s not always pretty. But when two people love one another enough, no matter the hurt or the wrongs that have been done, ANYTHING is possible.
ℎ ℎ ℎ ℎ ℎ ℎ.
’ .
’ ℎ .
’ ℎ, ℎ ℎ, ’ ℎ.
() : Tobias Hayes is more a villain than a hero but he’s a hero all the same even though he’s the kind of guy you love to hate. I have been waiting for Toby’s story ever since he lost the girl in , . My heart broke for him and although I wanted him to get his happy ending so bad, his ending was never meant to be with Lo. Toby has issues, he’s broken and so, soo damaged but his character growth throughout the book was a pleasure to watch but honestly if I hadn’t read , and saw the pain and heartache that Toby had gone though I wouldn’t have been able to like him. Toby does some very, very mean and hurtful things to Joey. All over a misunderstanding. You will go from loving Toby to hating him, to repeating the cycle all over again because the more we learn about him and his past and the things that made him the man he is today, you can’t help but feel for him.
, . ℎ , ℎ . ’ .
() : Josephine ‘Joey’ Moore is an amazing character. She’s a firecracker, independent, strong, snarky, and loyal to a fault. Toby isn’t an easy man to love but even when she should have left, she still stayed. Even though when we first met Joey she was only nineteen years old, she’s been through so much that it’s left her jaded. Although Joey comes from a wealthy political family (her father is the mayor) she’s been independent her entire life and worked hard for everything she has. The girl is a survivor. There were times that I couldn’t stop the tears, you could FEEL her pain.
ℎ ℎ , .”
“ ℎ ℎ , .
/ & : At times, Joey and Toby’s relationship resembled a car crash. Even though you don’t want to look because you just KNOW it’s going to be bad, but at the same time, you just can NOT look away. Their relationship isn’t always a good one, at times it’s downright toxic. Neither Toby or Joey is perfect, but they are perfect together. Both still have scars from the past that they are fighting to overcome and they are broken. But maybe two broken people can piece back one another… The steamy scenes, SHEW! HATE SEX + DIRTY HATE TALK = GREAT SEX! Just in case you didn’t already know. The passion between the two of them is crazy hot, even when they hate each other.
ℎ . ℎ ℎ… .
: I ADORE Francis! He is EXACTLY what a man should be and I can not wait until he gets his happily ever after. But it will surely be bittersweet… since I want him for MYSELF! And Nate, PLEASE someone tell me that he is getting his own story too! I was glad that we caught up with Loe and Jace, that scene between Jase and Toby… *SIGH* I was so, so glad to see these brothers begin to fix their relationship. I almost thought it was unfixable. Ace and Gray… OH.MY.GOD. The POV’s from them and all the breadcrumbs for their story… I am more than excited about their story!
’ ℎ , . , ’ . –
: Nope, no cliffhanger. After a whole lot of hurt and heartache, Toby and Joey finally get their happily ever after. So if there is no cliffhanger, what are the three tornadoes for? All those breadcrumbs that were dropped for Ace and Gray’s story, even though I only just finished a few days ago, I’m SO excited to get back to .
’ ℎ.
ℎ.
ℎ , . ’ ℎ.
: There are difficult subjects that could be considered triggers. E.g. cheating, addiction, trauma, mental illness, and self-harm, etc. If you would like to know more about what those subjects are, feel free to DM me!
If you enjoy angsty, emotional roller-coaster ride romances, then you are not going to want to miss .
, ℎ, ’ .
* .*
Toby has overcome so much but he may have met his match with Joey. He gets a call that a new chef is needed so he goes to auction for the best, that’s how he meets Joey. Joey has quit her job and found out shocking information about her boyfriend. She ends up having to go home to see her dad but things don’t turn out the way she expected. She needs an escape so when she starts flirting with a stranger, she thinks she’s found it. Will things look in morning?
“We’ll slay our demons together. Our love will set the world on fire.”
This was a tough read. No wine and roses here, gritty, raw, and heart achingly emotional, the journey between these two broken souls had me unsettled, warring with myself over how I felt, yet unable to look away or put this book down. Going back and forth on whether they would or even should be together, I was lost in the complicated whirlwind that was this couple. I will be honest and say I had a lot of difficulty reconciling all the carnage and destruction, but all in all it was intense, gripping, and engrossing. I thank the Author for providing a copy to review!!
“Bound and destined by our troubles and thrown together in hopes we could fix and not further ruin each other. He’s my disease. I’m his addiction. We’re catastrophe, but in the chaos, it’s always him.”
~~~Erika, Book Haven Book Blog
Wow this book wrecked me in the best way ! This story is full of so much heartache and emotion , I had to take breaks to breathe and catch my breath stop the tears from flowing! All’s I’m going to say is if you haven’t read anything by this author before you really need to , she writes stories that are full of angst , heartbreak and real life emotions and I’m just in awe of her writing and storytelling abilities wow I can now finally breathe …
***I voluntarily reviewed an advanced complimentary copy of this book ***
Breathe the second book in the Hollow Ridge series was an emotional page-turner that had me hooked from start to finish. This novel will take you on an emotional roller-coaster ride and you will feel it all. It was raw, gritty, heartbreaking, angsty and full of emotional turmoil with flawed broken characters whose growth and development was seen in the story.
The story dealt with sensitive topics such as addiction, trauma, cheating and violence and was a story about love, pain, forgiveness, betrayal and hope. This novel was well-written and I would recommend it to all lovers of emotional romance.
This book like Inhale, Exhale gave me a jumbled up mess of emotions that I can’t even explain but somehow left me feeling differently at the end than in book one.
Going into this I had a love/hate relationship with Toby. At many times I wanted to punch the shit out of him however seeing his character development and genuine sense of growth left me feeling somewhat happy.
Joey was a whole bunch of snark, witty and strong character I need to see and what someone needed to kick him in the balls and turn his shit around.
C.L gives you the feels with the topics she writes about and gives you 100% of the fucked up version of humans we would like not to see.
Like the previous book before, this one is best left going in blind without any opinions being given. Obviously reading book 1 is good for more of an understanding of the overall topics and situations that are being unfolded.
When I dove into Breathe that word soon became my mantra as this raw, emotional, and heartwrenching read consumed me. Toby and Joey’s story was beautifully brutal and honest about struggles many people face daily.
After meeting Toby in Inhale, Exhale he gripped a piece of my heart and left me desperately needing his story. Now after Breathe he’s embedded himself even further into my heart. Witty, feisty and strong willed Joey was a character I could fully relate to because her issues were ones that I am all too familiar with. My heart ached and hurt right alongside her as tears rolled down my cheeks. The growth these two underwent was amazing to watch as they battled to overcome their struggles.
Breathe was everything I was hoping to get from Toby in all its brutal honesty. I knew his book was going to hurt but I wasn’t ready for the way these two put my heart through the wringer. Breathe broke me and healed me all at the same time and was a truly unforgettable read.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie’s Book Reports.
You’d think five years would be enough time to cope and move on. It’s not. If anything, it’s given me more unrealistic way to deal with my loss. More pain. And even worse, a woman I don’t love. A woman that isn’t her. I hate her. She hates me too. My life’s a mess. My heart’s nonexistent. My soul was lost long ago. Worst of all, I not longer care. They way you find your true love after you lost your first one. I call bull.
If your looking for a super emotional book to read this is the one. This one will turn your heart into a big mushy ball of goo and you will have tears running down your face. You are going to love some of these characters and your going to hate some of them. But your going to love to do it while you’re doing it. This is the story of Joey and Toby. This book gets dark and gritty but then you are pulled back into the light. I loved this book and can’t wait to read more of this author’s books.